It's official!

Upon board approval this evening, I have officially been hired as a Grade 4 teacher for a public school district located in Southern Chester County.

Wahooo!!! Yay!

New hires with our principal!

I still need to post about China, Greece, and NYC!

It's been a busy summer going through the job application process, but it was certainly worth it!

Is it really over?!

It feels like I just got here!

Kimchi!

Silly!

Serious!

I'm going to miss this!

While these compliments are flattering, on a deeper level I feel they reflect the genuine bonds that I formed with my students this year. I feel that we were able to truly connect and build positive relationships with one another. I will miss my girls <3

It feels so rewarding to have a student recognize, acknowledge, and take ownership of their learning. I have strived all year to help my students improve their English through authentic dialogue and classroom discussions. It makes me smile to have a student identify how I have positively impacted their life. That's the reason why I am here! My hard work has paid off :)

I've been working on a project all year with two ninth grade girls.

They have illustrated my story about my experience summiting a mountain in Montana.

It's finally coming together our last days here.

I can't wait to see the final product! Mom-mom would have loved it.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Wow! I can't believe that I turned a quarter-century in Korea!

I can't believe that I will be home in two weeks and one day!

While I am counting down the days to come home, 

there are still many things that I will miss about being here.

Jeju says, "We love having you here."

I have loved being here!

A beautiful Jeju rainbow!

Adventure to Wonang Falls

Nike should sponsor me! I wear all their workout gear!

James, our trainer, is developing a video series and we have been helping him out.

We have been filming for bootcamp in exotic locations, 

encouraging people to exercise anywhere! 

Not just at the gym or even with equipment.

I've spotted a wild animal!

My besties!!!

Mmm! Cheesecake with brownie crust! Delicious bday cake.

Such a heartwarming card from my girl.

"Please always know that I love you more than anything else in the world. I love you."

Hallmark should take note from Korea card companies!

Simple, but so meaningful.

A four-leaf clover necklace from Ash!

It captures my essence <3

I did find nine four-leaf clovers the other day!

My new record!

"The season why you exist is that you are needed in this world."

Such a perfect, Konglish card from one of my students!

It's nearing the end of our days here on this island.

I will truly miss it.

Lovely sunset view from my bedroom window,

30 days!

Ashley and I caught a beautiful rainbow yesterday <3

Jeju Furey Volleyball

Ashley and I spent the weekend on beautiful Hamdeok Beach with friends from school for a volleyball tournament. Since the beach is on the other side of the island, we spent the weekend at a hotel. It was a very fun and rejuvenating getaway! 

Only 3 weeks left in South Korea!

Such a beautiful location!

Our team, Orange Crush!

Action shot! Our team wasn't great, but we won more than we lost which was fun!

Me and my two besties on the island! Ashley and James!

James' team was top ranked in the tournament, A level! 

(We were B/C level).

Tiger, the star player and James' team.

Sunshine, beach, and beer! Does it get any better?

Sunglasses Seoulmates! 

Ojima (grandmother) enjoying the show!

There were many injuries!

That's not a bag of dog poo!

I burst a blood vessel and I thought I had broken my knuckle it was so swollen!

This team was so intense, they flew in from Seoul!

So tired!

 Jeju Furey Beach Volleyball 2014

Next adventure, Beijing, Athens, and Santorini with these lovely ladies!

We say goodbye to our island June 25!

Elephants and Tigers!

Home is where the heart is...

and where the shoes are not!

High-five from Pancake!

Catch a tiger by its tail!

A glimpse of teeth!